For decades after its opening in 1925, most visitors to OLV National Shrine & Basilica entered through the entrances located on Ridge Road. But, after the closure of St. John’s Protectory in 1956 and site redevelopment in the 1980s, the Southeast entrance — once used only by priests and schoolchildren — has become the primary entry point. In fact, more than 65% of the Basilica’s 280,000 annual visitors enter there.

Recognizing the distinct lack of a welcoming presence deserving of such a special place and given that the Shrine's Centennial Celebration is nearing completion, OLV leadership is envisioning a new Welcome Plaza: one that enhances accessibility, improves first impressions, and prepares this sacred site for generations of future pilgrims.

Our Plan

A significant enhancement of the visitor experience is being planned. Specifically:

• Removal of the entranceway to the Rectory which is often mistaken as the entrance to the parking lot. This will be replaced with a semi-circle drop-off space to allow easy access for visitors to utilize the elevator at the Southwest entranceway.
• Removal of the Rectory free-standing garage, and an expansion of the existing parking. By doing so, handicap parking can be developed closer to the Shrine.
• Improved landscape design with specific improvements to allow future construction equipment better access to the Shrine for repairs/maintenance.
• Blacktop surrounding OLV Elementary School will be replaced with wayfinding signage and landscaping.
• Improvements to the entranceway of the parking lot will allow tour buses and other visitors a safer entrance and exit.  
• Installation of signage to provide information regarding the significance of Father Baker and his "City of Charity," and share wayfinding details on the location of his final resting place and museum.

We Need You

With May of 2026 marking the closing of the Basilica's Centennial Celebration, we have a unique opportunity to complete our efforts by reimagining the Southeastern entranceway and creating the OLV Welcome Plaza, which will serve as the culmination of our efforts to preserve and restore the Shrine for another 100 years.

The projected cost of the Welcome Plaza project is estimated at $2 million. OLV has secured a $500,000 "challenge gift" to the project, meaning $1 million must be raised by the end of 2025 to receive those funds.

You can support this effort by making a gift of any size. If you'd like additional information, please contact the members of the Mission Advancement team at (716) 828-9610.